F O R E W O R D

As a final report, Wetlands of the Central and Southern California Coast
and Coastal Watersheds: A Methodology for Their Classification and
Description is the culmination of an extensive effort to provide a
methodology to demonstrate the richness and importance of the depleted and
often overlooked wetland resources. Yes, California not only has wetlands (!),
but they are frequently unique and often provide functions and values that
distinguish them from other places in North America. Although restoration
efforts for many types of wetlands either have begun or are based on a rather
extensive body of local knowledge, no information has been provided to date to
suggest that they are renewable. We may never know the richness or functions of
the majority of wetlands (perhaps as many as 90%) that have been lost, but we
have an opportunity to understand and appreciate more about the remarkable
richness of wetland types that remain.

This report focuses more on the proposed methodology for classifying
California wetlands than on providing a complete catalogue of their types or
inventory of examples. The catalogue of types is not exhaustive, but expands on
the initial catalogue of the draft report. We encourage review and comment on
the methodology, with the ultimate collective goal of providing a useable
identification and assessment tool in an effort to help document and conserve
the natural riches of the study region, and perhaps beyond.

Although funded in large part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
this document and its contents resulting from our study do not represent the
views, methods, or conclusions of this agency. The issue of limits of federal
regulatory jurisdiction of Waters of the U.S., including wetlands under the
federal Clean Water Act, in central and southern California is not specifically
addressed in detail herein, as discussion and review of this topic was not the
intent nor motivation of the authors. This document also does not necessarily
represent the views of the institutions with which the authors are associated.
It is the goal of the authors, however, to publish this document so that it
will be available to a broader audience. Any individual or organization who
wishes to assist with this publication endeavor is encouraged to contact the
authors.

We have been rewarded throughout our work with exposure to a portion of the
wealth of the State's wetlands heritage and to the magnitude of their beauty.
Without agency concern and appreciation for presentation of this heritage,
preparation of the report using color photographs would not have been possible,
and would not have had the same impact. This document also serves as
Environmental Report No. 1 of the Museum of Systematics and Ecology, Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Santa Barbara.